"The Queen's Forgotten Oath"

ok. The Labyrinth loomed ahead, its dark spires clawing at the sky like skeletal fin

e. Birds ceased their songs, and the wind stilled. The worl

te. The runes carved into its surface glo

id of you," s

rridors within. Taking a deep breath, she stepped

iliar

d deeper, the air grew colder, and the walls seemed to close in aroun

" they hissed. "

, pushing forward. "You wo

y pools. The liquid shimmered, reflecting images of her past: the burning vill

the pools showe

ar

etched with anguish. Chains of shadow wrapped

his voice ec

, reaching out as if to tou

face, the shadows within surged up

sandra spat, ra

ing golden eyes. "You were warned not

s," Lysandra snapped. "I'm he

able. "The Weaver does not grant favors lightly. T

me to decide

Then it stepped aside, gesturing toward a

is: once you enter the Weaver's

ing herself. "I never

oom o

ere woven with threads of light and shadow, pulsating as though alive.

entered a vast, circular chamber

. Its eyes were endless voids, and its many arms worked tirelessly at an enormous loom. Threads

he Weaver said, its voice echoing

d, stepping forward.

ever leaving the threads. "A bold request

byrinth," Lysandra argu

the loom. "I can. But altering fate requi

Ba

thing material to offer, but she knew the Weave

d finally. "Take m

er. "A noble offer, but a predictable one

you want?" Lys

altering your thread, I alter the fate of the entire kingdom. If you wis

her staff tightened

your magic, but your very essence. You will become a part o

Worse, becoming part of the Labyrinth meant she could never leav

ms?" the Weaver asked, its

ng a deep breath. When she ope

ee," s

aving

s very being. She felt a searing pain, as though her soul were being unravel

the loom, its intricate patterns

aver said at last. "

nees, her strength gone. "W

lesced into Alaric's form. He stood there, whole and

e said, rushi

e on her face. "You're free," she

" he asked, his voic

er spoke. "You must leave now. The La

feet, but she stumbled, her

g without you,"

," Lysandra replied, her

carried her toward the exit, his grip unrelenting. Behind th

ter R

ays of dawn were breaking over the horizon. Alaric laid L

" he said. "Bu

rushing his cheek. "It was

. "I'll find a way to

faintly. "You

in warmth, Lysandra closed her eyes. Tho

ee. But the Labyrinth's shadow loomed ever close

contin